We thank the following
and those unknown
persons, groups, agencies,
organizations and
governments for their
loving and selfless actions
that bring meaningful
comfort and assistance
to others.
May your lives be graced
by the Divine
with evermore joy
and fulfilling reward.
Germany Germany donates
€200 million to Perú
for development projects
in rural areas.
IrelandIreland pledges to donate
€166 million to Uganda
to help eliminate poverty
and promote education,
democracy and health.
Ireland's Parliament bans
the cruel practice
of stag hunting.
The European UnionThe European Union
allocates
a €150 million donation
to provide support
for the most vulnerable in
the war-affected regions
of Sudan;
approves a donation
of €35 million to support
humanitarian activities
in Somalia in areas
that include food, water,
and shelter;
and announces a donation
of €15 million
in humanitarian aid
to Zimbabwe
for recovery efforts.
The European Commission The European Commission
announces a donation
of €71 million
to support Palestinian
development efforts, and
an additional €10 million
going toward food aid
for Palestinians
in the Gaza Strip.
RussiaRussia pledges a donation
of US$75 million
to help Africa reduce
the loss of lives
of infants and mothers.
Japan Japan donates
US$50 million
to Afghanistan
for the training
and reintegration
of Taliban members
into society.
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan designates
a donation of
US$50 million
for an education program
that will benefit
the citizens of
neighboring Afghanistan.
The United KingdomThe United Kingdom
announces
an additional donation
of ₤45 million
to aid Yemen
in development and
poverty reduction programs.
The United StatesThe United States
donates US$43 million
to Kyrgyzstan
and Uzbekistan
to assist war victims
returning home, as well
as to provide support for
community development.
Catalonia, SpainCatalonia, Spain,
passes a new law
banning bullfighting.
PanamaPanama grants legal status
to thousands of
undocumented residents.
Wisconsin, USAWisconsin, USA,
implements
a statewide smoking ban
in work places
and restaurants.
Northern Ireland's Assembly, Roy Beggs, and Tom ElliottNorthern Ireland's
Assembly votes
to ban hare coursing,
a proposal
that had been introduced
by Assembly members
Roy Beggs
and Tom Elliott.
Paul Allen, USAUS billionaire Paul Allen
will donate over half of
his US$13.5 billion fortune
to humanitarian
endeavors and
nonprofit organizations.
Katrina Humphrey, USAKatrina Humphrey
of Florida, USA,
donates one of her kidneys
to enhance the life
of a young coworker
suffering from
an autoimmune disorder.
Dean Kayler and Carly Overhauser, USA The quick action
and resourcefulness
of teenagers Dean Kayler
and Carly Overhauser
save a man from drowning
in Washington, USA.
Kesley Burgess, Australia25-year-old
Kesley Burgess
of Sydney, Australia,
gave his life to protect
his mother and girlfriend
when their home
was invaded
by armed intruders.
Samuel White, USA Samuel White
of Georgia, USA,
risks his life by jumping
onto the train tracks
to save a woman
who has fallen off
the subway platform
just as a train
approaches the station.
Clayton Williams, USADespite his broken bones
from a fall when
trying to rescue a kitten
stuck in a tree,
nine-year-old
Clayton Williams
of Texas, USA, crawled
35 feet to his home with
the unconscious kitten
in his mouth
to ask his mother
to take it to the vet.
Essa Khan, PakistanWhile on cleaning duty,
Essa Khan of Pakistan
finds US$50,000
forgotten by a hotel guest
and promptly reports it
to hotel management.
Thor the Pitbull, USAThor the Pitbull
of Indiana, USA,
saves his human family
from a house fire
when he wakes them up
and proceeds
to drag the family's baby
in her bassinet
to the front door.
Saphira the Siberian Husky, USA Saphira
the Siberian Husky
gives her life to wake up
her human caregivers,
providing them enough time
to escape from
the second floor window
of their burning home
in New York, USA.
St. Francis Animal Sanctuary, USA St. Francis
Animal Sanctuary
of Mississippi, USA,
rehabilitates 100 dogs
rescued from
a Louisiana puppy mill.
Horse lovers in British Columbia and Alberta, CanadaCanadian horse lovers
in British Columbia
and Alberta save a herd
of 30 horses destined
for a slaughterhouse by
buying their freedom and
giving them new homes.
International Fund for Animal WelfareThe US-based
International Fund
for Animal Welfare
saves three dozen
stray dogs from death
in Alaska, USA,
giving them a chance
to find homes in Canada
and the US
state of New York.
In Defense of Animals
International organization
In Defense of Animals
rescues 55 long-tailed
macaque monkeys from
a chemical testing facility
and arranges
for their transport
to primate sanctuaries
across the US.
Nancy Simmons, USA Dog groomer
Nancy Simmons
of New Jersey, USA,
risks her life to save
many of her clients' dogs
before the building
of her business
is consumed by fire.
Brandon Wood, USA10-year-old Brandon Wood
from Florida, USA,
blogs to raise money
to save chimpanzees
from laboratories,
as well as raises awareness
for the Great Ape
Protection Act.
Animal astronautsTo make human
space exploration possible,
many dog and monkey
astronauts have selflessly
given their lives
in the line of duty.
SPECIAL THANKS
of the MONTH
The City Council of Sacramento, California, USAThe City Council
of Sacramento, California
approves an amendment
to help safeguard
the well-being of animals
in traveling circuses
and rodeos.
Malbumi Group of Companies, Malaysia Malaysia's Malbumi Group
of Companies constructs
nine culvert crossings
connecting waterways
to enable wildlife
to travel from
one side of the region's
Kinabatangan Sanctuary
to another.
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank The International
Monetary Fund
and the World Bank
will waive Liberia's
US$4.6 billion debt
to help the country
in her efforts
to boost the economy and
rebuild infrastructure.
FranceFrance forgives
nearly €646 million in
Republic of Congo debt
to help the country
finance projects in
infrastructure, drainage,
transport, education,
professional training,
health and environmental
protection;
donates US$150,000
to the aid organization
Doctors of the World
to assist them
in bringing mobile clinics
and medical treatment
to Yemeni people
displaced by civil conflict;
and encourages greater
financial independence
for Palestine through an
initial €500,000 donation
to the Palestinian
Information Technology
Association of Companies
(PITA).
The Asian Development Bank The Asian Development
Bank allocates
US$145 million
to Kyrgyzstan
for the reconstruction
of Osh city, with
nearly half of the funding
being donated
and the remainder
made available at
generous terms of credit.
The United Nations Children's Fund The United Nations
Children's Fund plans
to donate US$128 million
to North Korea
to enhance the health
and nutrition of children
and expectant
and nursing mothers; and
donates US$1.2 million
to help Lesotho's orphans
and vulnerable children
through education,
health, and
nutritional assistance.
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund The United Nations
Central Emergency
Response Fund
approves US$41 million
in donations for Chad,
the Democratic Republic
of Congo, Yemen,
North Korea, Nepal,
Djibouti, and Eritrea
to fund humanitarian
projects to help restore
self-sufficiency
to residents following
natural disaster or conflict.
JapanJapan donates
US$10 million
to Ecuador to develop
solar energy for
the ecologically fragile
Galapagos Islands
as part of a larger effort
to mitigate the effects
of climate change;
pledges a donation
of US$8.5 million
to provide greater access
to primary education
for young students
in Liberia;
donates US$1.1 million
to Sri Lanka to provide
humanitarian assistance
for internally
displaced persons;
sends 14,000 tons of rice
in donation
valued at US$10 million
to be sold
throughout Mozambique,
with proceeds
re-invested in
development programs;
and donates US$180,000
to Âu Lạc (Việt Nam)
to build one school each
in the Nam Định
and Hà Tĩnh provinces to
improve local education.
EgyptEgypt improves
water security
in southern Sudan
by extending a five-year,
US$26.6 million donation
to clean the waterways of
Bahr el-Ghazal basin and
to provide 30 new wells;
and pledges
to keep the Rafah border
crossing into Palestine
permanently open
to allow the passage
of Palestinians
and humanitarian aid
in and out
of the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia donates
US$24 million
in food aid to Pakistan
for war victims.
The European UnionThe European Union
donates €15 million
in food aid to alleviate
emergency needs of
hunger and malnutrition
for an estimated
5.2 million Ethiopians
affected by civil conflict,
natural disasters
and drought.
Belgium Belgium donates
over €13 million
to Ninh Thuận province
in Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
to assist in constructing
a water drainage system
and treatment plant.
QatarQatar donates
US$13.7 million
to the Darfur region
in western Sudan
to help bring stability and
reconstruction to the area.
RussiaRussia donates
an additional
US$10 million in
diesel fuel to Kyrgyzstan,
with plans to remove duties
on fuel exports
to help revive
the country's economy
and ensure peace;
and will provide
technical assistance
in designing, building
and implementing
a subway system
in Hà Nội,
Âu Lạc (Vietnam).
The European Commission The European Commission
donates €8 million
for a special fund
that supplies
disaster preparedness
and humanitarian aid
to regions that may not
be widely reported
due to their lesser size
or relative remoteness;
and announces
a €2 million donation
to India to provide health
and psychological support
for war victims
in Kashmir and Jammu.
CanadaCanada donates
US$6.5 million
to Niger and Chad
to provide
crucial food assistance
for over 6 million people
in need.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev signs
a decree to increase
the social protection
of media members
by allocating
US$6.24 million
to improve
their living conditions
and housing construction
for the press personnel.
New Zealand New Zealand allocates
more than US$5.5 million
to safeguard
the welfare of animals
through monitoring
and reviewing of
animal protection laws,
and assisting the Society
for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals.
Oxfam International UK-based
humanitarian organization
Oxfam International
approves US$4.4 million
from its own reserves
in an urgent initiative to
alleviate hunger
and thirst
for people in Pakistan
and the semi-arid Sahel
region of West Africa.
NorwayNorway announces
an additional donation
of US$3 million
to help alleviate
the food crisis caused by
drought in Africa's
eastern Sahel region.
IndiaIndia donates
transformers valued at
US$1.9 million
to Myanmar
to bring electricity
to areas still impacted
by the effects
of Cyclone Nargis.
The Netherlands The Netherlands
announces a donation
of US$1.5 million
to the Organization
of American States
in support of its
peace work in Colombia.
Lord Peter Archer, United Kingdom British novelist
and former politician
Lord Peter Archer
donates US$1.5 million
to help to build
a first children's hospital
in England's East Anglia.
The UN Development Program The UN Development
Program launches
a US$1.4 million
cash-for-work initiative
in Kyrgyzstan
to aid families affected
by recent conflict and
to assist local economies.
The United StatesThe United States
donates US$1.4 million
for the building
of a community center
for Palestinian refugees
in Syria.
GermanyGermany donates
€1 million
to the United Nations
High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR)
to assist Afghan and Iraqi
refugees in Iran
with humanitarian aid
for health, shelter,
and transportation.
Germany's
Federal Foreign Minister
Guido Westerwelle
announces a €1 million
donation to Somalia
for emergency
humanitarian aid.
Malaysian citizens and the Malaysian Red Crescent SocietyThe Malaysian
Red Crescent Society
brings humanitarian aid
to benefit children
in Palestine through
a US$531,000 donation
from Malaysian citizens.
The US Agency for International Development The US Agency for
International Development
donates US$533,000
to restore
Afghanistan's historic
Baghe Qazi garden.
FinlandFinland donates €400,000
in humanitarian assistance
for war victims
in southern Kyrgyzstan's
Fergana Valley.
The United Nations and Afghan citizensThe United Nations'
donation of US$350,000
and the Afghan citizen's
gifts of land
enable the construction
of new schools
in the province
of Nimroz, Afghanistan.
The United Nations-HabitatThe United Nations-
Habitat's grant
of US$250,000 aids
the collaborative efforts
of the Laotian government
and local villagers
in bringing clean water
to Xieng Ngeun District's
residents.
Australia Australia donates
more than US$195,000 to
establish a nursing station
in Loma, Fiji,
that will ensure
easy health access
for mothers and children.
Brazil Brazil makes
a third humanitarian aid
donation of US$150,000
to Guatemala for residents
affected by the eruption
of the Pacaya volcano
and tropical storm
Agatha in May.
The Aman Palestine Institute, MalaysiaThe Aman Palestine
Institute in Malaysia
donates US$100,000
in humanitarian aid
to the Palestinian people
in Gaza.
Bruce Springsteen and the Springs Close Foundation US Academy-
and multiple
Grammy-award winning
musician Bruce Springsteen
matches a donation
of the charity
Springs Close Foundation
for a combined
US$100,000
to provide food
for the disadvantaged
in his native
New Jersey, USA.
Kadhafi International Charity and Development Foundation, Libya Libya's Kadhafi
International Charity and
Development Foundation
donates €63,000 to
provide migrant persons
with reintegration
assistance in Tripoli.
Former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk Former Cambodian King
Norodom Sihanouk
personally donates
US$50,000
to help the victims
of recent floods in China.
Noel Wardick, the Irish Red Cross, the UN World Food Program, and the Niger Red Cross Under the stewardship
of Noel Wardick,
the Irish Red Cross
partners with the UN
World Food Program
and the Niger Red Cross
to deliver record food aid
to the people of Niger.
Anonymous Formosan (Taiwanese) manAn anonymous man
donates US$15,000
to provide the public with
free plant-based meals
through a Taipei County
vegetarian buffet restaurant
in Formosa (Taiwan).
China Daily newspaper, ChinaThe newspaper
China Daily
donates US$1500
along with newspapers,
dictionaries and clothes
to a Beijing charity
that cares for the needs
of innocent children
whose parents are
under legal detainment.
Jonathan Bush, USAJonathan Bush,
a four-year old
from Louisiana, USA
raises US$650
with the help
of his mother, Lori,
selling lemonade
to benefit pelicans affected
by the recent oil spill
in the Gulf of Mexico.
Plan Ireland, World Food Program, Niger, and non-governmental organizationsIrish charity Plan Ireland
partners with
the World Food Program,
the Nigerian government
and local and global
non-governmental
organizations
to deliver over 1,000 tons
of food aid to
Niger's Tillabéri district.
The UN World Food ProgramTo provide aid
as Kyrgyzstan emerges
from conflict, the UN
World Food Program
sends 650 metric tons
of food
for returning residents;
and distributes more than
300 tons of food aid
through 37 health facilities
in Yemen's
Shabwa province.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees The Office of the UN
High Commissioner
for Refugees
is increasing its support
for Afghan asylum seekers
in Iran.
ShelterBox International disaster
relief charity ShelterBox
delivers the first 200
of its namesake kits
to provide shelter and
basic necessities for people
in northeastern Brazil
affected by floods.
The PhilippinesThe Philippine government
is setting up
a compensation fund to
provide housing, health,
and job assistance
to the nation's families
affected by civil war
in 2008.
Sean PennOscar-winning
Hollywood actor Sean Penn
organizes and runs
a 50,000-person tent city
in Haiti that is being
recognized as one of
the most effective
humanitarian efforts
for victims of
the January earthquake.
Formosa (Taiwan) Formosa (Taiwan)
donates ambulances
and medical supplies and
equipment to Guatemala
to help the nation achieve
healthcare objectives,
as well as
aid remote residents
affected by
tropical storm Agatha.
The Egyptian Red Crescent Society The Egyptian
Red Crescent Society
transfers one ton
of humanitarian aid
from a Libyan ship,
which will
be transported by land
to benefit residents
of Gaza, Palestine.
Tearfund Christian NGO Tearfund
provides food and water
to assist
the Pakistani people,
with plans
to also install wells and
pass out hand-pumps.
Niger and aid organizationsNiger's government
and aid organizations
announce plans to
bring food and medicines
to assist some
35,000 people affected
by prolonged drought.
The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the World BankFunded by a loan
from the World Bank
and donations from
the United Kingdom
and the Netherlands,
an education program
in Yemen increases girls'
enrollment in schools.
Khalaf bin Ahmed Al Habtoor, the United Arabs EmiratesEmirati philanthropist
Khalaf bin Ahmed Al
Habtoor donates
more than 100 cars
to the Palestinian
National Authority to
assist with transportation.
Spanish-based charity Play4Africa Spanish-based charity
Play4Africa delivers trucks
full of soccer balls
and shoes as a donation
for young Africans
in need.
Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Cuba, the Cuban Catholic Church, and SpainSpanish Foreign Minister
Miguel Ángel Moratinos
announces
the acceptance of
additional detainees
released by Cuba
as part of an accord
formed with the Cuban
Catholic Church and
the government of Spain.
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il North Korean
Supreme Leader
Kim Jong-il
sends army helicopters
to rescue 68 people
stranded by record rains
and flooding.
Belgium, Austria, France and Estonia Belgium, Austria, France
and Estonia
offer water pumps,
power generators, and
water purification units
to Romania to assist
with recovery efforts
in the aftermath
of heavy floods and rains.
Israeli medical specialistsIsraeli medical specialists
in plastic surgery and burns
travel to Democratic
Republic of Congo
to treat residents
injured in a recent
fuel tanker explosion.
Lebanese medical teamA Lebanese medical team
of eight doctors
arrive in the Gaza Strip
to conduct surgeries
in Palestinian hospitals.
Formosan (Taiwanese) doctors, nurses, and volunteersSeveral Formosan
(Taiwanese) charities
arrange for
a 12-person medical group
to visit Nepal, where they
offer free health services,
medical kits
and materials.
The Tây Ninh Red Cross and Nguyễn Trãi Hospital, Âu Lạc (Vietnam) The Tây Ninh Red Cross
and Nguyễn Trãi Hospital
organize a delegation of
Aulacese (Vietnamese)
doctors to provide
free eye examinations,
medication
and cataract surgeries
to disadvantaged patients
in Cambodia.
The United Arab Emirates' Giving Hands initiativeThe United Arab Emirates'
Giving Hands initiative
assembles a medical team
that travels to
treat people in some
300 disadvantaged
Egyptian villages.
Police officers of the state of Gujarat, IndiaPolice officers
of the state of Gujarat
in India continue to finance
the education of 500
disadvantaged students
for another year.
CubaCuba extends assistance
to Yemen
by assessing and meeting
the needs of hospitals
in Shabwa province.
Women inmates in Panevėžys, Lithuania Approximately
100 women inmates
in Panevėžys, Lithuania
knit socks, gloves,
and scarves to be given
to the less fortunate
in preparation for winter
in central Afghanistan's
Ghor Province.
United Arab Emirates' students, teachers, and parentsOver 50
United Arab Emirates'
students, along with
teachers and parents,
distribute food packages
to 1,500
disadvantaged workers.
Sierra Cook, USATen-year-old Sierra Cook
of Florida, USA,
organizes a book drive
and collects
more than 300 textbooks
to be delivered
to children in Africa
through USA-based
Books for Africa.
Oxfam Great Britain UK-based Oxfam GB
assists indigenous people
and disadvantaged women
in northern Âu Lạc
(Vietnam)
improve their marketing
of local farm produce.
The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) The United States
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
(NASA)
develops new technology
that will speed up
rescue services
by almost instantaneously
locating signals
generated by beacons
on vessels, on aircrafts,
or carried by people.
Father Johannes Wartaya Winangun Father Johannes Wartaya
Winangun
of the Society of Jesus
trains Indonesian farmers
in Central Java to employ
organic farming methods
while improving prosperity.
The Garden Project, Cathrine Sneed, and Sheriff Michael Hennessey, USAThe Garden Project
in San Francisco,
California, USA,
founded by social worker
Cathrine Sneed and
Sheriff Michael Hennessey,
trains former inmates
in horticultural practices
and provides
organic produce
to low-income people
at no cost.
Firefighters in Shangluo City, China Chinese firefighters
in Shangluo City,
Shaanxi Province
work for hours in
dangerous flood conditions
to successfully save
a young boy trapped
in his flooded home.
The Jacques' siblings, USAFive siblings
in the Jacques family
of Wisconsin, USA
host a summer
swimming party for 30
local homeless children.
Surgeons at Johns Hopkins University, USASurgeons at
Johns Hopkins University
in Baltimore,
Maryland, USA
pioneer non-invasive
brain surgery
using a small incision
above the eyelid.
Artists, activists and speakers from Massachusetts, USA Artists, activists
and speakers from
Massachusetts, USA
travel on the Vegan Bus
and make and distribute
free vegan donuts
to promote health,
a sustainable environment
and ethics
through vegan eating.
Hannah Teter, Leonard DiCaprio, Jonas Brothers and Alyssa Milano US Olympic snowboarding
gold medalist, vegetarian
and humanitarian
Hannah Teter,
actor Leonard DiCaprio,
musicians Jonas Brothers
and actress Alyssa Milano
receive the 2010
Do Something Award
for their charity work.
The Humane Society of the United States, Ohio state agricultural trade associations, and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland In Ohio, USA,
an agreement
has been reached
between local animal
advocacy groups,
the Humane Society
of the United States,
agricultural trade
associations,
and Ohio Governor
Ted Strickland
to provide better
conditions for animals,
especially livestock.
Indiana, USAIndiana, USA, is working
to save the endangered
Allegheny wood rat through
a US$500,000 program
funded in part by citizens
who gave back a portion
of their tax refund
to benefit wild animals.
The Arizona Department of Transportation, USA The Arizona Department
of Transportation
in Arizona, USA,
allocates US$400,000
to construct canopy
crossing bridges to protect
severely endangered
Mount Graham
red squirrels.
US Department of Fish and WildlifeIn the USA,
72 pelicans rescued from
the Gulf of Mexico oil spill
are released off
the coast of Georgia,
while 70,000 turtle eggs
from Gulf beach nests
are being rescued
by the US Department
of Fish and Wildlife
personnel for relocation,
continued incubation
and later release.
Aulacese (Vietnamese) Central Forest Protection Department and the Environmental Police The collaboration between
Âu Lạc's (Vietnam)
Central Forest Protection
Department and the nation's
Environmental Police
results in the rescue
of rare and endangered
Moon bears
from a bile farm.
Massachusetts' Governor Deval Patrick, USAGovernor Deval Patrick
of Massachusetts, USA
signs a new law
protecting animal welfare
by banning
the cruel practice
of surgical devocalization
of cats and dogs.
BritainBritain's new coalition
government is promising
renewed focus on
restoring populations
of endangered animals
as well as other aspects
of protecting
natural environments.
Dr. Lori Marino, Dr. Georges Chapouthier, Dr. Hal Whitehead, and Bryant Austin Separate studies by
American neurobiologist
Dr. Lori Marino,
French neurobiologist
Dr. Georges Chapouthier,
and Dr. Hal Whitehead,
have all affirmed
the intelligence and
sentient nature of whales,
these same
human-like qualities
have inspired
US photographer
Bryant Austin to establish
the Marine Mammals
Conservation
through the Arts.
Forest officials in Rajasthan state, IndiaDue to prolonged
drought conditions
in India's Rajasthan state,
forest officials
are providing water
in every location possible
for the wild animals.
EurasiaNet.org, Yigal Schleifer, and Andrew CullenMedia portal
EurasiaNet.org
features articles
on the rising veg trend
in Mongolia
written by correspondents
Yigal Schleifer
and Andrew Cullen.
Grant Butler, USA US vegan Grant Butler of
『The Oregonian』
newspaper reports
on the many diverse
vegan cookbooks available
that demonstrate
the accessibility
of tasty plant-based fare
using natural,
unprocessed foods.
Heather Mills, United KingdomVegan British
animal advocate
Heather Mills writes a letter
to show her support for
an Australian campaign
to restore
a now-dwindling
dingo population
to flourishing numbers.
Tawana Couch of the Society for Companion Animals in Dallas, Texas, and SpokAnimal in Spokane, Washington, USAMs. Tawana Couch
of the Society
for Companion Animals
in Dallas, Texas, USA
and SpokAnimal
in Spokane,
Washington, USA
partner to save thousands
of dogs' lives
by arranging to fly them
from Dallas shelters
to Spokane for adoption.
Pamela AndersonCanadian actress and
vegan Pamela Anderson
continues her dedication
to animal welfare
by volunteering
to help with daily duties
at a California
wildlife center.
The Tri-County Humane Society, USA The Tri-County
Humane Society
in Florida, USA,
rescues and rehabilitates
an ailing Rottweiler puppy
from a dumpster.
Lufthansa Airlines Lufthansa Airlines offer
animal companion travelers
a luxurious
Animal Lounge
at the airline's main
Frankfurt, Germany airport.
Steve and Carol Buyers, ScotlandAfter finding Dodo
the homeless dog while
vacationing in Mauritius,
Steve and Carol Buyers
arrange for her care locally
and then
transport her home
to join their family
in Scotland.
SPECIAL SALUTE
of the MONTH
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Russian President
Dmitry Medvedev signed
a measure into law
that prohibits
any degree of alcoholic
or narcotic intoxication
for persons
who are driving.
David de Rothschild and 5 crew membersTo warn of the perils
of plastic in the ocean,
environmentalist
David de Rothschild
and 5 crew members
complete an 8,000
nautical mile journey
on a 60-foot catamaran
constructed from
discarded plastic bottles
and equipped with
sustainable solar panels.
The Yemeni Women's Union The Yemeni
Women's Union
initiates US$2.5 million
in women and youth
projects throughout
several provinces
to raise awareness and
reduce young people's
use of Qat,
a leaf that acts as
a narcotic when chewed.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, USAThe US Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Program
donates US$2.1 million
to public and private schools
in Wisconsin for
the coming school year
to continue
encouraging kids to
maintain a healthier diet
that includes fresh produce.
The United States
The US government
allocates US$1.3 million
to Washington state, USA
to fund Governor
Chris Gregoire's plans
to build the nation's
first highway with
a series of electric vehicle
recharging stations
that span the entire state.
Reza Pakravan Iranian Reza Pakravan
and a friend
bicycle across Nepal,
raising US$42,000
to build two schools
in Madagascar.
The United Kingdom, United States, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the European Union The United Kingdom,
United States, China,
France, Germany,
Russia and
the European Union
reaffirm their willingness
to engage in negotiations
with Iran
regarding the country's
nuclear program.
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh
Eritrean Foreign Minister
Osman Saleh states
that sending more troops
to Somalia
is not a solution
and that the only way
to bring about peace is
through diplomatic dialog.
Global leaders and lawmakersLeaders and lawmakers
across the globe
pass smoking bans
to safeguard the health
of their co-citizens.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Russian Prime Minister
Vladimir Putin
signs into law a decree
allowing Colombians to
travel visa-free to Russia
based on a reciprocal
agreement made
between the two nations.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu Serbian Foreign Minister
Vuk Jeremić and
Turkish Foreign Minister
Ahmet Davutoğlu sign
a reciprocal agreement to
remove visa requirements
for citizens' travel
between
the two countries.
Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda To ease travel
among their countries,
the East African nations
of Burundi, Kenya,
Rwanda, Tanzania
and Uganda propose
the implementation of
a single visa for all visitors.
FranceThe French government
upgrades
the Palestinian Authority's
diplomatic status, which
will now be represented
by a mission
led by an ambassador,
in an effort to better
support the creation
of an independent
Palestinian state.
The European Parliament The European Parliament
states that it welcomes
the prospect of Iceland
becoming a member state
as soon as the country
halts all whaling activities,
in compliance with
European Union law.
BurmaThe Burmese government
permits the former
National League
for Democracy party,
led by detained Nobel
Peace Prize laureate
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,
to form a new party
and participate
in upcoming elections.
Germany Germany offers
to welcome two
released detainees
from the US-run facility
in Cuba's Guantánamo Bay.
Algeria and Cape VerdeThe US Defense
Department confirms
that two detainees,
one Algerian
and one Syrian national,
are being freed from the
US-run Guantanamo Bay
facility to travel to
Algeria and Cape Verde,
respectively.
TunisiaTunisia's government
bans all forms
of corporal punishment
on children in efforts
to encourage harmony
in the family
through respect, dialog
and understanding.
Rangers from Grand Teton National Park, USAMore than 20 rangers
from Grand Teton
National Park
in Wyoming, USA
conduct a rescue
lasting over eight hours
to save 17 mountaineers
caught at elevations
of 13,000 feet
during a lightning storm.
The European Parliament, Struan Stevenson of the United Kingdom, Dutch legislator Kartika Liotard, nd Corinne LepageAs a result
of ethical objections
from Parliamentarians
such as Struan Stevenson
of the United Kingdom,
Dutch legislator
Karticak Liotard, and
Corinne Lepage of France,
the European Parliament
votes against
the use of meats
from cloned animals.
French National Assembly members Yves Cochet, Geneviève Gaillard, Gérard Bapt, and François Grosdidier French National
Assembly members
Yves Cochet,
Geneviève Gaillard,
Gérard Bapt,
and François Grosdidier
call for
a weekly meat-free day
to promote health and
reverse climate change.
The City Council of Washington, DC, USA The City Council of
Washington, DC, USA
passes a resolution
to encourage
eating a meat-free diet
on Mondays in order to
encourage healthy habits.
Richard Lucas, USABus driver Richard Lucas
of New York, USA
makes a special stop
to alert residents
of a fire in their home,
saving 10 people's lives.
AzerbaijanAzerbaijan's government
recognizes the 2010
Year of Ecology
with an initiative
to improve journalists'
knowledge and awareness
of environmental issues
and protection
by hosting a 『Journalists'
Ecology School.』
King Mohammed VI of MoroccoHis Majesty
King Mohammed VI
of Morocco inaugurates
Africa's largest
wind farm near Tangiers,
which is also
part of an initiative
to expand the nation's
sustainable resources
to 42% of all energy
production by 2020.
Indonesia Indonesia seeds
over 30 million trees
as part of the country's
one-billion-tree
planting campaign,
which is estimated
to reduce CO2 emissions
26 percent by 2020.
European Commission Joint Research Center A European Commission
Joint Research Center
report titled "Renewable
Energy Snapshots" states
that in 2009, 62%
of new electricity sources
installed in 2009
in the European Union
were from alternative
energy sources.
Leaders from East African countries Leaders from
East African countries
agree to inaugurate
a 7,000 kilometer-long,
trans-national
『Green Wall』
tree planting program.
Dr. Bob Walker and teamIn a recent expedition
to Latin America's
western Amazon basin,
US research expert
Dr. Bob Walker and team
observe many examples
of effectiveness
in the Brazilian
government's efforts
to preserve the rainforest.
Kindergarten teachers in Âu Lạc (Vietnam) Kindergarten teachers
in Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
attend a course
on teaching children
about water,
its importance
to the environment
and essential relationship
to life.
New Zealand's Parliament New Zealand's
Parliament passes
the Animal Welfare
Amendment Act
which increases fines
imposed for
mistreatment of animals.
Malaysia Malaysia passes
new laws imposing
more stringent penalties,
including possible
prison sentences,
to better protect
endangered animals,
and expands the list
of protected animals.
TierPartei Schweiz, Switzerland The newly established
TierPartei Schweiz (TPS)
or Animal Party
Switzerland gives voice
to four-legged animals
by protecting
and raising awareness
of animal welfare,
improving human
and animal relationships.
Canadian Parliament Member Alex AtamanenkoCanadian
Parliament Member
for British Columbia,
Alex Atamanenko,
proposes a bill that
would prohibit import
and export of horses
for slaughter and
ban horse meat products
for human consumption.
The Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament The Agriculture
Committee of
the European Parliament
announces support
for proposed legislation
that would reduce
animal testing
and promote
alternative cruelty-free
testing methods.
University of Massachusetts Medical School scientists, USA Neurobiologists
at the University
of Massachusetts
Medical School
in the USA discover
monarch butterflies
use an internal
biological compass
to migrate 3,000 miles
each way between
Mexico and the US.
Eight teenagers from central Kansas, USA Eight teenagers from
central Kansas, USA
who returned a lost purse
they found
with US$7,700 inside,
are honored
by local police with
more than US$150 each
in reward money
that had been donated
by community members.
SPECIAL
CONGRATULATIONS
of the MONTH
Aulacese (Vietnamese) top official Nông Đức Mạnh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Aulacese (Vietnamese)
top official
Nông Đức Mạnh
and Russian President
Dmitry Medvedev
mutually affirm the value
of their countries'
longstanding
amicable relations as they
pledge to increase trade
to US$10 billion
over the next two years.
China and Formosa (Taiwan) China and Formosa
(Taiwan) sign an
historic trade agreement
which is expected
to facilitate higher levels
of mutual trust and
negotiation, and to result
in a lifting of tariffs
on hundreds of products.
GhanaPresident John Mills
of Ghana,
whose country has made
significant progress
in UN Millennium
Development Goals,
pledges to continue
working with partners
to improve the lives
and well being of
fellow Ghanaian citizens.
Brazil and Serbia Brazil and Serbia
sign agreements
to allow visa-free travel
between their nations.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Amado Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev
and Portuguese Minister
of Foreign Affairs
Luis Amado
pledge expanded
bilateral relations
and sign a visa-free
agreement between
the two countries.
New Zealand Action on Smoking and Health A newly released survey
by New Zealand Action
on Smoking and Health
(ASH) affirms
the effectiveness of
anti-smoking campaigns
by revealing
that smoking among
the nation's teens
is the lowest in a decade.
Dasho Paljor J. Dorji and Sonam Phuntsho Dasho Paljor J. Dorji
and Sonam Phuntsho
win the Jigme Singye
Wangchuck Outstanding
Environmental
Stewardship Award
after launching the Ugyen
Wangchuck Institute
for Conservation and
Environment in Bhutan.
Yoong Wern, Chew Ming Han, and Dominic Teh Shan Xiong, MalaysiaMalaysian high school
students receive
the Best Invention
in both the Asian
and Malaysian Young
Inventors Competitions
for creating
an affordable flood alarm
whose buzzer sounds
when flood levels
become dangerous.
Lockheed Martin US-based aerospace
company Lockheed Martin
uses unique
『inverted-V』 engines
to quiet sonic booms
when flying over land
at supersonic speeds.
Natalya PereverzevaRussian vegetarian
Natalya Pereverzeva,
the former
Miss Central Russia
(Miss Kursk),
wins the title
of Miss Moscow.
Jessica SimpsonAmerican singer and
pop star Jessica Simpson
announces
that she has adopted
a clean vegan diet.
Mike TysonFormer heavyweight
boxing champion
Mike Tyson describes
to US-based
『Details』 magazine the
life-changing experiences
of switching
to a plant-based diet,
including surges of energy.
Palm Beach County residents, Florida, USARising concern for health
and the environment
among residents
of Palm Beach County
in Florida, USA
is reflected in
a corresponding increase
in vegan and vegetarian
eateries, as well as
more meat-free options
in other restaurants.
The Honorable Lin Tsung-Hsien, bride and groom, Formosa (Taiwan) Formosa's (Taiwan's)
Yilan County Magistrate,
The Honorable
Lin Tsung-Hsien presides
over marriage
of 20 couples at the 2010
Yilin Green Expo,
where each bride
and groom signed
the 『Green Pledge,』
and many expressed
support for a veg diet to
protect the environment.
The HB-SIA aircraft of the Swiss Solar Impulse The HB-SIA aircraft of
the Swiss Solar Impulse
project concludes
a successful 26-hour
solar plane flight.
Alixandra Fazzina, BritainBritish photojournalist
Alixandra Fazzina wins
the 2010
Nansen Refugee Award
for her effective portrayal
through photojournalism
of the plight
of war victims and
others fleeing violence.
Deng Li-Wei, Formosa (Taiwan) Nine-year-old Formosan
(Taiwanese) boy
Deng Li-Wei, becomes
the youngest recipient
of Malaysia's 21st
International Invention,
Innovation, and
Technology Exhibition
for an eco-friendly faucet
power generation system.
Oscar, SpainA 31-year old identified
as Oscar from Spain
gives thanks to the hospital,
to the surgical team,
to the family
of the face donor
and to his own family for
their efforts and
support in enabling him
to receive a full
face transplant.
David Wilcock , United KingdomTeen student
David Wilcock of the UK
is among the finalists
in a national
science competition
for his design of a canine
hydrotherapy jacket
that speeds recovery time
by making it easier
for dogs to mobilize
their injured legs.
Rambo the canine, India
Boxer canine Rambo
in India
is the first animal patient
to successfully recover
from a spinal injury
through a treatment
making use
of his own stem cells
that has enabled him
to walk and run again.
Nazzaning the feline, USAFeline Nazzaning from
New York City, USA
is able to walk again
after being the first cat
to engage in swimming
hydrotherapy exercise
at Water 4 Dogs,
an animal rehabilitation
center in Manhattan.
SPECIAL APPLAUSE
of the MONTH
SingaporeSingapore's
Open Door Fund
assists 79 organizations
hire around 400
disabled workers
over four years
by providing over
US$70,000 in subsidies
to modify workplaces,
redesign jobs, and set up
apprenticeship programs.
Spain, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Ecuador, the Union of South American Nations, Colombia, and Venezuela Spain,
the Dominican Republic,
Brazil and Ecuador
along with the Union of
South American Nations
coordinate efforts
to assist Colombia
and Venezuela
resolve differences
through diplomatic dialog.
US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu US President
Barack Obama and
Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu
jointly pledge to seek
peace talks between
Israel and Palestine.
The United StatesThe United States
announces
that the drawdown
of troops in Iraq
is ahead of schedule,
with a further reduction
of 20,000 soldiers planned
for the end of August.
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman Yemeni President
Ali Abdullah Saleh
orders the release of 82
inmates to foster unity
among political parties;
and His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos Bin Said
of Oman orders
the release of
300 detainees, granting
most a Royal pardon.
US and European Union delegates US and European Union
delegates attending the
Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN)
regional meeting
jointly request that
member state Myanmar
free all political detainees
and engage
in free and fair elections.
The US House of Representatives Agricultural Committee The US House
of Representatives
Agricultural Committee
passes a bill
that would allow travel
by the country's citizens
to Cuba as well as
ease limitations on
US agricultural exports
to the island nation.
Palestinian Authority The Palestinian Authority
raises taxes
on the price of cigarettes
for the fourth time
in two years as part
of a national movement
to encourage smokers
to quit.
Ecuador Ecuador provides
monthly support
for caregivers
of disabled persons
as well as
continued training
in areas such as health,
nutrition and self-esteem.
Mizoram state, IndiaThe Indian state
of Mizoram designates
anti-tobacco teams to
help ensure public health
by overseeing
compliance with
a smoking ban
in public areas.
Philippine Health Secretary Enrique Ona Philippine Health
Secretary Enrique Ona
affirms his department's
commitment
to strengthening
public information
on the ill effects
of smoking to encourage
smoke-free lifestyles.
Uzbekistan's lower house of ParliamentUzbekistan's lower house
of Parliament approves
a bill to ban advertising
of all tobacco products
and alcoholic beverages.
Midwives in Rotherham, United KingdomMidwives in Rotherham,
United Kingdom
organize a program
with the National
Health Service and
Stop Smoking advisors
to help expectant mothers
and their families
quit smoking.
City of Yorktonin Saskatchewan, Canada The Canadian city of
Yorkton in Saskatchewan
is providing two
six-bedroom residences,
each with their own mentor
to offer support
and guidance,
for young people in need.
New Delhi, IndiaAsia's first mobile
physiotherapy clinic
is launched
in New Delhi, India,
to serve urban areas
on weekdays and
provide free treatment
to those in need
on weekends.
Syria, the United Nations and the Spanish Development Agency Syria, the United Nations
and the Spanish
Development Agency
identify and rehabilitate
2,000 year-old wells,
enabling Syrians to stay
in their traditional homes.
Jeremy RennerOscar-nominated
Hollywood actor
Jeremy Renner tours
de-mining projects
in Afghanistan,
highlighting the need
to support efforts such as
those of the United Nations
working to restore
safe passage
across the land.
Nine Nepali women of the Everest Women Seven Summits Eco-ActionNine Nepali women
raise awareness
of climate change
by eating an
eco-friendly vegan diet
while becoming
the first all-woman team
to summit Mt. Everest.
Schools in New York, California, Colorado, and Kentucky, USAAn increasing number of
schools and entire districts
in US states such as
New York, California,
Colorado and Kentucky
participate in
Meatless Monday
campaigns where
students are offered
healthier meat-free meals
that also benefit the planet.
Sean Penn Actor Sean Penn asks
the US Congress
to pass the Healthy School
Meal Act of 2010,
a bill seeking to provide
children with more fruits,
vegetables, grains,
and vegetarian options
in lunches
supplied by schools.
SyriaSyria initiates the
『Frunluk Forest Campaign』
in Lattakia
to raise awareness
of the importance
of maintaining and
preserving the region's
flora and fauna.
Shanghai, ChinaChina installs one of
the largest solar energy
generation systems
in the world
at Shanghai's Hongqiao
high-speed rail station
as part of efforts to
lower carbon emissions.
Lebanon's Ministry of Environment Lebanon's Ministry of
Environment distributes
50,000 green carriers
as part of an eco-friendly
shopping bag campaign.
Michelle Odhiambo Kenyan Michelle
Odhiambo from People
for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals (PETA)
dons a gown of spinach
and urges people
to forego meat as
a cause of world hunger
and become vegetarian
instead.
ChinaChina releases four
expectant mother pandas
into the wild in an effort
to save the species.
SPECIAL KUDOS
of the MONTH
Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, USA Governor Bill Richardson
of New Mexico, USA
announces
a US$1 million allocation
for early childhood
programs
including services to
assist homeless children
and their families.